Let’s talk about the benefits of affirmations in French class. What are they, and why are they useful? At the end of this blog post, I will be sharing creative French affirmation activities that will help you build a strong classroom community.

This is the third blog post in the Social-Emotional Learning series. Discover introductory SEL lessons here. Read about the importance of cultivating a growth mindset in French students here. Discover the science behind gratitude and French gratitude activity ideas here.

Why are we talking about affirmations today?

In the fall of 2024, I took a class on Social-Emotional Learning. For an assignment, I was asked to create a stress-management strategy to use with my class.

I involved my Grade 10 students in the decision-making process. I wanted to understand what my Grade 10 students need from me, both physically and emotionally, when they are stressed.

When we feel stressed, the part of the brain responsible for detecting threats triggers the “fight, flight, or freeze” response. When the amygdala is activated, the thinking part of the brain (the prefrontal cortex) stops functioning. That means learning, reasoning, and language processing are harder — if not impossible — when we are stressed.

My students told me that when they are feeling extremely stressed at school, they want to be affirmed. They wanted to be reminded that they are strong, that the best is enough, and that they can do hard things. They also want to be reminded to take a deep breath!

Ultimately, this conversation sparked a great deal of reflection on affirmations and stress management.

What are affirmations?

First off, affirmations are short, powerful statements that we repeat to ourselves. Affirmations shape the way we feel and think. They are rooted in the idea that our thoughts have a profound influence on our actions.

Why are affirmations a vital part of Social-Emotional Learning?

Social-Emotional Learning encompasses the five competencies of:

• Self-Awareness
• Self-Management
• Social Awareness
• Responsible Decision-Making
• Relationship Skills

Good affirmations have students reflect on how they feel and why they feel that way (self-awareness). Coming up with an affirmation then helps students manage their emotions and practice resilience.

How do affirmations help French students feel more confident speaking French?

Affirmations help French language learners feel more confident speaking French because they shift the internal dialogue from one of self-doubt to one of possibility.

Ultimately, we want French language learners to replace negative self-talk with affirmations!

Also, when we speak about French affirmation activities for the French classroom, we’re not talking about those really cute, trendy affirmation mirrors. The ones that include feel-good, generic affirmations like “I am smart” and “I am kind.”

For affirmations to be effective, they must be personalized to the individual.

In other words, French students need affirmations that address the very real challenges they encounter in the French classroom.

This includes the fear of taking risks and speaking out loud, perfectionism, embarrassment from making mistakes, or frustration when they don’t immediately understand something.

French Affirmation Activities Option #1 – Daily Emotions Journal

Before we begin French affirmation activities, we need students to reflect on what emotions they’re feeling and why they’re feeling that way.

Children and teenagers are learning emotional intelligence, emotional regulation, and self-management.

It is so normal for children to feel emotions and to not know why they feel that way.

I like doing emotion journals with my students to expose them to a wide range of emotion adjectives, identify how they feel, and understand the reasons behind their feelings.

Ultimately, an activity like this helps students regulate their emotions. Students will take time to listen to their mind and body, understand why they feel that way, and hopefully even come up with an action plan if they’re not feeling great.

French Affirmation Activities Option #2 – Daily Affirmations Prompts

Next up, we’ve got daily affirmation prompts.

Affirmation journals help students build self-awareness by having them reflect on aspects of their life that they are proud of or appreciate.

French Affirmation Activities Option #3 – Classroom Bingo

This next French affirmations activity focuses on students recognizing and appreciating good qualities in their classroom.

French Affirmation Activities Option #4 – Class Compliments

Lastly, this activity has students write compliments for their classmates and practice expressing their appreciation for that specific quality.

Build classroom community and resilience in your classroom with impactful affirmation activities

Grab a copy of the English version here

Grab a copy of the French version here

The post How French Affirmation Activities Help Students Feel More Confident Speaking French appeared first on FLE Avec MmeD.

Whether you’re a Core French or French Immersion teacher, you know that the biggest obstacle your French students face is their mindset. Many students decide on the very first day that they’re not going to be successful in French. Then, you have students who are confident that they can do it, and they usually do!

The mindset our French language learners walk in with does matter. However, this is where SEL comes in handy. Social Emotional Learning, or SEL, is a set of skills and tools that need to be explicitly taught to our students. They are essential for success in all aspects of life for our students.

This is the second blog post in the Social-Emotional Learning series. Discover introductory SEL lessons here. Learn all about the importance of affirmations and positive self-talk here. Discover the science behind gratitude and French gratitude activity ideas here.

What is a fixed mindset?

A fixed mindset is the belief that our abilities are fixed and unchangeable. Students think that if they are “good” at something, they will be successful in it. Students with a fixed mindset tend to shut down when they face difficulty or failure.

What is a growth mindset?

On the other hand, a growth mindset is the belief that we can achieve success through effort, practice, and learning from mistakes and failures.

Why do we need to intentionally cultivate a growth mindset in our students?

Students need to be able to recognize if and when they have a fixed mindset or a growth mindset. They also need to understand the neuroscience of learning to truly adopt a growth mindset.

To put it simply, having a growth mindset is essential for learning.

How does teaching about a growth mindset in French class positively impact French learning?

Having a growth mindset can significantly impact how French students approach language learning. Learning a new language, such as French, can feel intimidating. We’re learning so much all at once, and we have to put it all together and take risks. We must understand that we will make mistakes, and that’s how we learn.

This is so daunting for many of our students!

When we intentionally teach our students the characteristics of a growth mindset, we are equipping them with the tools to achieve success.

Consequently, French students with a growth mindset are more willing to learn, take risks, make mistakes, and then learn from them. It’s because they understand that this is a part of the process!

French Growth Mindset Lesson #1 – All about Growth vs. Fixed Mindsets

In this first lesson, we’re going to have our French language learners:

• Reflect on their own mindsets
• Identify whether a specific characteristic is indicative of a growth mindset or a fixed mindset
• Learn about growth and fixed mindsets

As part of this first lesson, we’ve got an icebreaker that will have students moving, interacting, and identifying whether a specific statement highlights a fixed mindset or a growth mindset.

French Growth Mindset Lesson #2 – Famous Examples

The second lesson explores famous examples of individuals with a fixed or growth mindset. Students watch a video and identify whether the individual mentioned has a fixed or growth mindset.

Students will also learn about Thomas Edison’s invention of the light bulb and Edison needed to have a growth mindset to perfect the light bulb.

French Growth Mindset Lesson #3 – the Neuroscience of Learning

Thirdly, students will learn all about neuroplasticity and how the brain learns!

This is essential as students need to understand that success is not an accident. Success comes from repetition and practice.

Understanding neuroplasticity reinforces a growth mindset.

French Growth Mindset Lesson #4 – Overcoming Roadblocks

Lastly, students will explore common roadblocks in learning and life.

Students will end this lesson by brainstorming ways to overcome typical roadblocks in learning and life.

Cultivate a Growth Mindset in your students with ready-to-go lessons that are impactful, engaging, and designed specifically with teens in mind.

Grab a copy of the English Growth Mindset Lessons

Grab a copy of the French Growth Mindset Lessons

The post French Growth Mindset Lessons for the French Classroom appeared first on FLE Avec MmeD.

Are you a Core French teacher looking for effective and engaging French bell ringers? In this blog post, I share some of my favourite French bell ringers for the French classroom.

But first, what makes a good French bell ringer?

When planning bell ringers for French class, I like to do multiple French bell ringers. For example, I do Question du jour every single class. Since Question du jour is a speaking activity, I follow it up with another brief reading, writing, or listening bell ringer.

I actually go into detail in terms of how I plan my French routines in this blog post.

Question du jour – A French Speaking Bell Ringer

Question du jour is, in my opinion, the BEST French bell ringer out there. Seriously, if you’re not doing Question du jour — you need to start immediately.

I begin every one of my French classes (from French 8-11) with a question of the day. Students write down the question projected on the board and their responses.

I also ensure that students understand how to pronounce any new words.

Finally, I take attendance and every single student has the chance to say their answer.

I did Question du jour with a specific group of students for four years. Over the years, the questions steadily became more difficult.

Here are the results I achieved with this group of students:

• they had the best French accents out of any group I’ve ever taught
• their comprehension of French was sooo good
• they had acquired an extensive vocabulary without vocabulary lists or forced memorization
• they understand French verbs, conjugations, and tenses better than any group I’ve ever taught

If you’re interested in learning more about Question du jour, I have a whole blog post dedicated to it.

Francophone Fact of the Week

This next French bell ringer targets the developing of French reading skills.

The concept is simple. Each week, you introduce your French students to one new fact.

Students write down the question on the slide. Lastly, they answer the question on their bell ringer handout.

Et voilà!

This is great way to combine reading and culture!

French Idiom of the Week or French Slang Expression of the Week

Want to introduce your French students to basic French idiomatic expressions and French slang in an engaging, fun manner that is NOT overwhelming?

Teaching French idioms does not have to be overwhelming or even a “unit”.

Gradually introducing your students via effective French routines is an effective way to teach these important expressions!

My students love, love, love to learn French slang. In fact, I will confidently say that this is their favourite French bell ringer!

They look forward to learning new French slang expressions every Tuesday. And the best part?

They put them to use RIGHT away!

What more could we want as French teachers?

The post French Bell Ringer Ideas For Core French appeared first on FLE Avec MmeD.

If you are looking for engaging and meaningful French picture books for la rentrée scolaire, I have an awesome selection for you today.

This blog post is the fourth in a series in which I share my favourite French picture books. The first featured French picture books with Muslim and/or Arab characters. I have also written a similar blog post with French picture book recommendations with Black characters. Lastly, I have a blog post with a wonderful selection of French picture books with Asian characters.

Where should you purchase these French picture books from?

I encourage you to purchase from your local independent bookstores. One of my favourite bookstores is located a block away from my school.

I will be linking all of these books through Les Libraires which is an independent bookstore in Québec.

Comme tu es – Margaret O’Hair & Sofia Cardoso

This first French picture book for la rentrée scolaire is inspired by Sofia Sanchez who has Down Syndrome.

This story is about being different and how diversity is beautiful. This French picture book is about accepting and embracing differences.

Themes: acceptance, diversity, kindness

French level: intermediate

About the book: A French translation of an English original

Moi aussi, je peux – Karen Autio & Laura Watson

The next French picture book for la rentrée scolaire is a short and heartwarming story of Leanne who can do all of the things her peers can do, only in her wheelchair.

The sentence structures are very simple and repetitive.

This French picture book is perfect for la rentrée scolaire, because it’s important for kids to see that one action can be done in many different ways, depending on our abilities.

Themes: acceptance, different abilities, friendships

French level: high novice

About the book: A French translation of an English original

Bienvenue – un livre sur l’inclusion – Alexandra Penfold & Suzanne Kaufman

Bienvenue – un livre sur l’inclusion is about everyone being welcome and safe at school. The book affirms that no matter your background, everyone has a place at school.

The sentence “tout le monde est bienvenue” repeats very frequently.

At the very end, you see all different types of families coming in to the school for Open House. Beautiful!

I could not find a more perfect French picture book for la rentrée scolaire!

Themes: acceptance, diversity, safety, belonging

French level: high novice

About the book: A French translation of an English original

Comment être gentil – Rana DiOrio & Stéphane Jorisch

Comment être gentil begins with the question “Être gentil, c’est quoi?”. The author talks about what being nice looks like in the classroom and at school.

One of my favourite lines in the book is “Être gentil, c’est avoir le courage de traiter les autres comme tu souhaites être traité”.

Themes: kindness, making good choices

French level: high novice

About the book: A French translation of an English original

Tu y arriveras – Angela DiTerlizzi & Lorena Avarez

La rentrée scolaire can be exciting for some of our students and terrifying for others. Despite our best efforts, school and learning can be very challenging for some of our learners.

Tu y arriveras is an encouraging book about not giving back. In the story we are taught the word “perseverance” and what it means.

Themes: persevering, hope

French level: high intermediate (mostly present tense, a little futur simple and some imparfait)

About the book: A French translation of an English original

I hope you find these 5 beautiful French picture books for la rentrée scolaire helpful!

The post 5 French Picture Books for la Rentrée Scolaire appeared first on FLE Avec MmeD.

If you teach high school French classes, you’ve got to try French Back to School stations, and here’s why! In 2023, I was trying to figure out creative and engaging first-week-of-school activities for French class. However, I wanted to find a balance between French reading, writing, speaking, and listening. I also didn’t want my French students to sit for too long!

French Back to School stations were the solution!

If you’re looking for more Back to School ideas & inspo, I have an entire blog post dedicated to fun French classroom decor ideas. Read this post on activities to do in the first week of school and what to do in the first two weeks of school.

Why should you try French Back to School Stations this year?

French Back to School stations can target a variety of skills such as reading, writing, and listening

I like incorporating a bit of French reading, writing, and listening in my Back to School stations. These activities must be low-risk and engaging, given that it may have been two to eight months since my students have been in French class.

Build community and get to know your students

As teachers, especially French teachers, building community and getting to know our students is the most important part of la rentrée scolaire.

Students need to feel comfortable in a language class because speaking French can be super scary for many of our students.

A lack of community and an increase in discomfort (not the good kind) will prevent your students from putting in their best effort in French class.

Therefore, we must spend tons of time getting to know our students.

Get your students moving and interacting with one another

Have you ever attended an in-person professional development opportunity and sat ALL DAY?

Let me tell you, I absolutely HATE professional development days if I have to sit in a chair all day.

I don’t know how we expect our students to sit all day long, but especially at the start of the school year.

Incorporating movement into my stations is an absolute must. I have my students move from station to station.

Have your students explore your French syllabus and course procedures within the stations

I don’t know about you, but reviewing my syllabus and course procedures in the first week of class is one of my least favourite activities.

However, making space for course procedures and the syllabus in the stations activity is, in my opinion, one of the best ways to do this task.

One of my stations tends to be a “syllabus scavenger hunt” where students look for answers within the syllabus.

By the way, if you’re looking for fun, editable French syllabus templates, check out these here.

I also like to have a whole station on Academic Dishonesty (AI and translator use) in my stations.

Ready to put together your French Back to School stations activity?

If you want me to do the prep work for you, these French Back to School Stations are ready to go!

I want to save time and energy and try these French Back to School Stations

The post Here’s why you need to try French Back to School Stations appeared first on FLE Avec MmeD.

As a High School French teacher, teaching routines is one of the most important things that you can do to set your classes up for a great school year. Students need structure and routine, and the sooner you make your own routines & procedures clear and explicit, this will reduce students’ anxiety. This is especially true in French class! Today I am sharing mistakes to avoid in the first week of French class.

1. Not explaining our classroom routines thoroughly

To be completely honest, I didn’t even know my own classroom routines. I had tried to come up with a few routines, but because I was learning so much daily, my routines were often tweaked.

However, even the routines I knew I wanted to have, I still didn’t explain them well enough at the beginning of the year.

Why didn’t I explain how the chairs need to be put up? This leads us to the next point and that is …

2. I thought that they would know basic things like how to exit a building during a fire drill.

This was by far the biggest mistake I made in my first and second years of teaching.

I assumed that my students would just know how to do certain things because they had been on this Earth for 13-15 years.

I was so wrong! That whole second year was a complete disaster and I learned so much from it. Everything from fire drills to assemblies, to projects and presentations, to handing things in.

The other mistake I made was that I explained something briefly for like 30 seconds and I never reminded them.

For example, I explained once how to hand assignments in. However, in reality, they probably needed to be reminded for the entire month of September before things would sink in.

3. Not re-teaching and going over procedures when they weren’t following them

Another HUGE mistake I made in my first two years was that I never took the time to re-explain procedures if students were not following them.

This is such a basic idea but somehow I completely missed it. If a few students left the classroom without putting up their chairs, I would just dismiss it. I would put up the chairs myself.

This created a pattern where certain students were repetitively not following procedures because I was not reinforcing them!

I knew I could not allow this to reoccur for the third year

The summer after my second year, I decided to create a document where I specified EVERY SINGLE ROUTINE in my classroom. From the moment they entered to the moment they left the classroom, everything was on this piece of paper.

Whether you are a new teacher or one with more experience, consider creating a classroom procedures document with every single routine explained in the document.

Here is what I changed the following year

1. I assumed they knew nothing

In September, I showed them how to put up chairs, how to toss their trash out, etc. We practiced EVERYTHING. Every time students did not follow procedures, I re-explained and re-demonstrated what I needed them to do.

They had a little laugh at me showing them how to stack their chairs but most importantly, they needed to understand that I had specific expectations of them!

2. Explain EVERY SINGLE procedure in extreme detail in writing AND orally

For example, if you are teaching students how to hand in assignments, start from the very beginning. What kind of paper? Where should they write their name? When do they hand in their assignment (beginning, middle or end of class)? Walk them through the procedure by modelling it!

Do this with every single procedure! Trust me — you will thank me later! This will save you SO much time later.

3. Have them do a written or physical scavenger hunt

Your students should practice procedures before the school year begins for real. I create a worksheet “scavenger hunt” with multiple-choice, true/false, and short answer questions. I also have them complete this scavenger hunt with their parents for homework. And this brings us to the next point…

4. Have their parents read & sign the procedures so that they can support you and their child

Building a great rapport with your students’ parents can be one of your biggest assets.

If they know what your classroom procedures are from the very beginning, this will help reduce the emails you receive. Plus, they can also answer their child’s questions or direct them to you.

I have my students’ parents sign the scavenger hunt in order to indicate that they have read and understood our classroom routines and procedures.

Here are some questions to answer in your classroom procedures document

1. What does the seating arrangement look like? Do students choose or do you?

2. What does the seating arrangement look like? Do students choose or do you?

3. What is your cellphone/listening device policy?

4. What are your start of class routines? Daily slides? A bell ringer?

5. Where do students find handouts if they were absent the previous class or if they lost their copy?

6. What online learning platforms will you be using? (tip : include QR codes to websites you’ll be using).

7. How and where do they hand in assessment?

8. What is your late work policy?

9. What do students need to know about absences? Do they email you? Is there a school-wide form they need to bring in?

10. What procedures do students follow after an absence?

11. What is your classroom (or school policy) for bathroom & water trips?

12. Can students eat in the classroom?

13. What needs to happen during drills and emergencies?

14. What is your classroom/department policy for Academic Dishonesty and the use of online translators?

15. What do students need to know for when you are absent?

16. What are your end of class routines and procedures?

I hope that these questions and tips were helpful for you setting up your own classroom routines and procedures. If you have any tips, suggestions or ideas not mentioned in this article, please share them below in the comments!

Avec plaisir,

Pav

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